CJ Koome Demands Tough Action Against Politicians Sponsoring Goons Ahead of 2027 Elections
Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to disqualify politicians found sponsoring criminal gangs and violent groups, warning that Kenya cannot afford a repeat of election-related violence as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the launch of the IEBC Election Operations Plan 2025–2027 on Wednesday, June 24, Koome said the time had come for electoral laws to be enforced firmly, arguing that repeated warnings without meaningful consequences had failed to deter offenders.
“I call on the IEBC to exercise its mandate with courage because the Constitution gives it to you. The times for warnings without consequences must come to an end,” the Chief Justice stated.
Her remarks come amid mounting concerns over the growing use of hired gangs by political actors to disrupt public meetings, intimidate opponents, and infiltrate peaceful demonstrations.
The Chief Justice emphasized that democracy can only thrive when elections are conducted in an environment free from violence, intimidation, and lawlessness. She called on all state institutions responsible for safeguarding electoral integrity to take decisive action against individuals financing or organizing violent groups.
Koome’s comments also came just a day before planned nationwide protests marking the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, events that sparked widespread debate over governance, accountability, and the rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.
At the same event, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon acknowledged the persistent challenge posed by politically sponsored gangs, noting that the practice has become increasingly common during election seasons.
“There is this tendency for politicians to bring in these people and hand them crude weapons and feed them during that season to protect their votes. Therefore, when these groups clash, we lose some lives,” Ethekon said.
The electoral commission boss warned that political violence remains one of the greatest threats to free and fair elections, calling for stronger collaboration between security agencies, political parties, and electoral stakeholders to curb the trend.
Recent incidents have heightened public concern over the alleged use of hired gangs in political activities. Among them was the disruption of a church service at Nairobi’s All Saints Cathedral by armed individuals, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from religious leaders and civil society groups.
In response to the growing trend, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops recently warned against the exploitation and weaponisation of unemployed youth for political gain, arguing that such actions undermine national unity and place young people at risk.
The government has also acknowledged the threat. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged firm action against any politician, leader, or individual found financing criminal gangs, insisting that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
As preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum, pressure is mounting on the IEBC and other state agencies to ensure electoral laws are enforced strictly and that individuals linked to political violence are held accountable before they can seek public office.
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